LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department held a ceremony Thursday to promote four officers at its headquarters in Lihu‘e.
“Today is not the end of what you worked so hard for, it is just the beginning,” said KPD Chief Todd G. Raybuck.
Now the real hard work begins: expanding your influence as a leader in this organization. Congratulations again for earning your new rank,” Raybuck said.
”I am excited to see you grow into new leaders in this department and witness the positive impact you will have on our department and community.”
Anthony “A.J.” Morita was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
A Kaua‘i native, he started his career at KPD as an officer in the Patrol Services Bureau in 2006. By 2012, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and served as cellblock supervisor, field training supervisor, and also as acting administrative lieutenant.
Later, he was assigned to the Investigative Services Bureau as a detective, where he investigated property and major crimes. Most recently, his assignment has been with the Administrative and Technical Bureau, where he has served as the supervisor of School Resource Officers, worked with the Kaua‘i Police Activities League, as well as handled community relations and research and development.
His badge was pinned on by his father, Wesley, with a special dedication to his mother, the late Teresa Bukoski.
Darren Rose was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
Originally from California, he moved to Kaua‘i in 1993, starting his career at KPD in 2000 and was assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau.
During this time, he was also awarded the Drug Enforcement Star Medal on two occasions. He transferred to the Vice/Narcotics Unit in 2005 and was a member of the Drug Enforcement Administrative Task Force and Clandestine Lab Team.
Rose was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2010 and continued with his assignments in the Investigative Services Bureau. Eight years later, he transferred back to the Patrol Services Bureau and was acting lieutenant for the Lihu‘e and Kawaihau districts. He was Employee of the Month in 2002, 2006, 2009, and twice in 2015. He was also Employee of the Year in 2015 and Top Cop in 2016.
His badge was pinned on by his son, Dalton.
Kristopher “Kris” Breyer was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Born and raised in Minnesota, he graduated magna cum laude from Clarke University in 2005. He started his career at KPD in 2013 and has been assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau. He is also a member of the Special Response Team, a drug recognition expert, and was a field training officer. In 2018, he was granted the “Life Saving Award,” and has been recognized as an Employee of the Month.
His badge was pinned on by his daughter, Eloise, with the help of his father, Dennis.
Rolland Peahu Jr. was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Born and raised on Kaua‘i, he attended Kamehameha Schools on O‘ahu and graduated from Kaua‘i High School in 1979. Prior to joining the department more than two decades ago, he earned an associate’s degree in automotive technology. He was most recently assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau in the Hanalei District. He is also a drug recognition expert and has served as a field training officer. He’s been awarded Officer of the Month twice, and has received numerous awards from Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.
His badge was pinned on by his wife, Susan.
The master of ceremonies for Thursday’s promotions Acting Capt. Kenneth “Ken” Cummings.
The pinning of the badges was preceded by a blessing by officer Morris “Mo” Unutoa and speeches by Mayor S.K. Kawakami and Raybuck.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
